Politics & Government
Measures A, B Trail in Early San Diego County Election Results
Ballot measure would raise the sales tax by a half-cent to fund infrastructure improvements in the San Diego region.
SAN DIEGO -- A ballot measure that would raise the sales tax countywide by a half-cent to fund infrastructure improvements in the San Diego region trailed tonight in the initial release of results.
Measure A, developed by the San Diego Association of Governments,received support from 57.1 percent of voters, but requires a two-thirds "yes'' vote to pass. The first count consisted of submitted mail ballots and early voting at the Registrar of Voters Office.
SANDAG estimates the tax would raise $18 billion over 40 years to pay for a wide variety of projects.
Find out what's happening in Coronadofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The 18 cities in the region will have discretion to use the revenue on road and pothole repairs, fixing sidewalks, open space acquisition and other things, according to SANDAG Chairman Ron Roberts, a county supervisor.
Other projects listed under the ballot measure include freeway and connector improvements, addition of carpool lanes, extending a trolley line to Kearny Mesa, increasing trolley frequency, synchronizing traffic signals and separating road and rail grades so vehicles don't have to stop for trains.
Find out what's happening in Coronadofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Opponents would rather that mass transit projects be given a higher priority. They also contend that the city of San Diego would be unable to meet the goals of its climate action plan if the measure passes, and the region would not achieve state climate change targets.
The other countywide question on the ballot, Measure B, which would authorize a 608-acre development in the Lilac Hills section of Valley Center,was opposed by 63.6 percent of voters in early results.
While it involves just one project, Measure B could have a much broader impact on future land use planning in the region. The project includes more than 1,700 housing units, commercial areas and parks in the inland North County.
Supporters contend the project is necessary because of a housing shortage that has sent the cost of housing in San Diego County through the roof. Opponents say the project goes against the county's general zoning plan and would exacerbate urban sprawl.
By City News Service/Image via Shutterstock
